While I agree with Wyoming Governor Freudenthal’s call for closing of game farms in Idaho it reminds me of this article from back in January of 2005. When Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana called for Wyoming to close elk feed grounds Freudenthal’s spokeswoman, Lara Azar, responded this way: “While the governor appreciates the advice, he thinks that Gov. Schweitzer should concentrate on Montana.”

Maybe Freudenthal, before asking Idaho to close its game farms, should take a hard look at how Wyoming’s feed grounds have affected surrounding states, and will likely affect surrounding states when Chronic Wasting Disease infects those very same feed grounds where it would likely go on to infect the many ungulates that call Yellowstone National Park home. He should also realize that elk infected with brucellosis, from the high concentrations caused by Wyoming feed grounds, have also infected Idaho cattle resulting in Idaho losing its brucellosis free status.

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About The Author

Ralph Maughan

Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is President of the Western Watersheds Project.

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‎"At some point we must draw a line across the ground of our home and our being, drive a spear into the land and say to the bulldozers, earthmovers, government and corporations, “thus far and no further.” If we do not, we shall later feel, instead of pride, the regret of Thoreau, that good but overly-bookish man, who wrote, near the end of his life, “If I repent of anything it is likely to be my good behaviour."